Accident Overview
A tow plane used for glider aero-tow operations was destroyed by post-impact fire after it impacted terrain during takeoff climb. The incident occurred at a grass airstrip as the tow plane departed with a glider in tow, positioned to the right of the tow plane.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff ground run, the glider aborted the takeoff by releasing the tow line. The tow pilot reported that the tow plane "suddenly yawed 45 degrees" to the left and veered off the left side of the grass airstrip, crossing a marsh/wetland area southwest of the runway. At that time, the airplane was at full power and at minimum controllable airspeed. The pilot continued the takeoff and attempted to climb over a tree line, but reported that the airplane had "insufficient airspeed and stalled." The airplane then impacted the terrain and caught fire.
Pilot and Glider Status
The tow airplane was equipped with a five-point pilot restraint harness. The tow pilot received minor injuries and exited the airplane before it was consumed by fire. The glider pilot reported aborting the takeoff when he observed the tow plane veering toward the left side of the runway. The glider rolled out on the airstrip without damage.
Accident Site Details
An inspection of the accident site revealed that the tow plane was about 30 feet from the left side of the runway when the glider aborted its takeoff. The tow plane then traveled approximately 150–175 feet through tall grass before lifting off and attempting flight. The tree line was located approximately 250 feet from the point of lift-off.
Wind Conditions
At 1415, the observed wind approximately 28 nautical miles south of the accident site was 250 degrees at 6 knots. The runway in use was runway 33. The glider pilot reported that the wind from the south produced a 5-knot tailwind.